Benefit for young South Bend woman set July 23

Desiree Kindig, 19, was left disabled by a severe asthma attack in May 2010. She is blind and cannot use her arms and legs. (Photo Provided)

SOUTH BEND — No one familiar with Desiree Kindig will ever take asthma lightly.

Kindig was about to complete her junior year at Clay High School in the spring of 2010 when she suffered a severe asthma attack that resulted in extensive disabilities.

The family said lack of oxygen to her brain left the 19-year-old virtually blind and without use of her arms or legs. She is in a wheelchair.

Kim Belmarez said her daughter suffered from asthma most of her life, but the attack in May 2010 was a complete surprise.

"She had never had anything like this before," Belmarez said. "She was staying at her grandparents’ house and had just come out of the shower when she started having the attack. She told my parents she thought she was dying."

Kindig fell to the floor and was unresponsive before she could use the inhaler.

"She has very little eyesight," her mother said. "She can’t read or see black and white. I have to feed her and dress her and put her in bed."

With help, Belmarez has to lift Kindig out of her wheelchair and into her van whenever she leaves her River Park home.

That’s one reason why a close family friend is organizing a benefit to raise funds to buy a chairlift for Belmarez’ van or, better yet, maybe even a new van equipped with such a lift.

The fundraiser will take place July 23 at Pone Express, 1617 Milburn Blvd., Mishawaka.

The event will consist of a motorcycle ride followed by a hog roast. Ride registration begins at 10 a.m. at Pone Express with the hog roast to follow at 2 p.m. The cost is $10. The benefit is for those 21 and older.

The ride, or poker run, will make stops at various places before returning to Pone Express, where the hog roast will also include live entertainment by Frayed Knots, Partymouth and Nick Blohm. There will be raffles.

Lisa Filippone, an employee at Pone Express, is a close friend of Belmarez who has known Kindig for years.

"I’ve wanted to do something for them ever since it happened," she said.

Kindig was unable to complete her education at Clay, although she attended the prom and went through the commencement this spring.

"She doesn’t have a degree but she’s working with a tutor and is close to getting it," her mother said.

Kindig is also undergoing physical and speech therapy three times a week.

"We are praying that she will be able to use her arms and legs again," Belmarez said.

The mother no longer works, devoting herself to caring for her daughter full time.

Filippone said anyone interesting in helping with the benefit or donating, can call her at 574-360-7544.